[JMC54]

I am a newbie to Bimmerpost, and this is my first post. I purchase a 2007 N53 E93 325i convertible last month - took it to the garage to replace the spark plugs and since then its been in 3 times. Rough idle and engine check light. The error code states coils but the garage have checked them twice, and there is no problem. Original spark plugs where NGK the first replacement where bosch, second replacement where bosch and the last set were NGK. Starting to pull my hair out. On each change, the car ran fine for a few hours then rough idle and engine warning light back. Can any recommend a garage in London who they have used for a similar issue? Thanks

[aaronblack]

Originally Posted by JMC54

I am a newbie to Bimmerpost, and this is my first post. I purchase a 2007 N53 E93 325i convertible last month - took it to the garage to replace the spark plugs and since then its been in 3 times. Rough idle and engine check light. The error code states coils but the garage have checked them twice, and there is no problem. Original spark plugs where NGK the first replacement where bosch, second replacement where bosch and the last set were NGK. Starting to pull my hair out. On each change, the car ran fine for a few hours then rough idle and engine warning light back. Can any recommend a garage in London who they have used for a similar issue? Thanks

I would highly suggest you get yourself a copy of INPA and check for any faults codes yourself and take it from there.

[therealdb1]

How is the garage "checking" the coils?

Diagnostics does not give coil fault codes for nothing.

If you use a proper BMW fault code reader like INPA it will give you considerably more information to go on.

Get some specific fault codes and we can take it from there.

[JMC54]

Thanks will do

[Andystobbs]

I heard stories of fake NGK's doing the rounds. Maybe worth a set of genuine plugs just incase. Garage must be tearing their hair out too - I know I would be.

[JMC54]

Originally Posted by aaronblack

I would highly suggest you get yourself a copy of INPA and check for any faults codes yourself and take it from there.

Could you recommend any particular make?

[aaronblack]

OEM plugs I believe are ZKBR7A-HTU, that's what I got from euro car parts on eBay for £50 just to ensure they're genuine etc!

INPA is free I believe and you only need a cable, I got mine from cable shack which comes with the software.

[leew88]

Take a read here, in short the N53 must use a specific spark plug designed for this engine.

https://bimmerprofs.com/spark-plugs-...eries-engines/

[JMC54]

Thanks

[Dormermike]

Yeah don't use bosch they are longer than the NGK!

[therealdb1]

Originally Posted by aaronblack

OEM plugs I believe are ZKBR7A-HTU, that's what I got from euro car parts on eBay for £50 just to ensure they're genuine etc!

INPA is free I believe and you only need a cable, I got mine from cable shack which comes with the software.

Even if it turns out to be incorrect spark plugs it is still worth getting INPA if you intend keeping the car for any length of time. The software and leads are widely available but you do need a Windows OS laptop to run the software.

[Phil325i]

P.S. Coils were subject to a recall on this model. They should be the Delphi coils with integral heat shield. If not, change them...

[JMC54]

Thanks would I be able to tell from INPA if these coils are fitted?

[Andystobbs]

No you have to visually check

[JMC54]

Thanks - Would BMW have a records of recalls for my car I could check?

[JMC54]

Just checked the service history and can see that the injectors and ignition coil were both replaced in 2012. The reference next to it is warranty presumably this implies recall as the car is circa 2007 so the warranty would have expired by then?

[therealdb1]

"The reference next to it is warranty presumably this implies recall as the car is circa 2007 so the warranty would have expired by then? "

Not necessarily, it is possible to buy a genuine BMW warranty even now for your 2007 car if you want to.

Unless the work report specifically states what they were changed for, and it probably will not, you will need to physically check what you now have fitted.

As for recalls you can go onto the government website:
https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk/
enter your registration number and it will tell you if there are outstanding recalls on your particular car.
This is generally for safety recalls so replacement coils may not be logged on here but I would do it if I were you because if you have no evidence of the battery cable and heater harness being replaced within the last year or two you might find that your car is subject to the recall and failure of either of these parts is potentially catastrophic.

[Phil325i]

Originally Posted by JMC54

Thanks would I be able to tell from INPA if these coils are fitted?

No, but a physical examination will make it obvious if you have Delphi coils. See here:

[Sxanth]

As for garage recommendations. A1BN are very good mine had some weird running issues on my old 330i and it drove out faultless.

http://www.independentbmwgarage.co.uk

There is or was an active member on this forum that works there.

[JMC54]

Thanks I'm london based so was looking for one there.

[JMC54]

I have purchased the INPA now so will try the diagnostic out. Given my problem what would be the steps I should take when using it ie what screens should I be going into and checking and what am I looking for.

[JMC54]

Hi - I now have INPA and have attached the error codes can anyone enlighten me on what could be the cause of my problem given these code?

Thanks